Meet Gladys Flores Garcia

My Roots

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico in a small coastal town called Fajardo. I was raised by my grandmother and mother, two of the strongest women I have ever known. They showed me the value of hard work, perseverance, and compassion. I credit them with igniting my passion for advocacy and justice at an early age.  

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, I pursued a Juris Doctor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico's School of Law. During my first year of law school, I welcomed my first child—a challenge that only strengthened my resolve to succeed.  

I passed the Bar and established my private practice in my hometown and litigated criminal, civil, family, and immigration law. During this time, I dedicated the majority of my time to working with and representing the members of our economically disadvantaged communities by offering pro bono representation.  

Until 2017.

Hurricane Maria Hits

 In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, marking a defining moment in my life. Overnight, I lost nearly everything I had sacrificed and worked so hard for; my office was destroyed, and my online business vanished. Our town was left without power, phone coverage, or internet for over three months. 

During this time, most of the food in people’s homes was lost or spoiled, gas was scarce, banks were shut down, schools were closed, and there was was limited to no medical care anywhere. I was running out of money. 

I made one of the most difficult decisions in my life, and relocated with two young daughters and what remained of my savings.  In December 2017, I landed in Rochester, New York, ready to build a new life for me and my kids. Upon arriving in New York, I faced the reality that I could no longer practice law. To support my family, I began working as a bilingual Customer Service Representative for an insurance company, and working as a ride-share driver. 

This is how I launched my current career in the commercial insurance industry. I became licensed and have helped hundreds of small businesses across the US insure and protect their businesses and livelihoods.  

In 2021, I achieved the dream of buying my first house in Victor, NY, providing my children with a stable place to finally plant our roots and to call home.